The Ozempic GLP-1 Peptide Dilemma
GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is a peptide hormone produced in the intestines and brain. While this hormone performs various functions in the body, it has recently become known as the “weight loss” hormone. Ideally, GLP-1 hormone production would happen naturally in the body (endogenously).
Endogenous hormone secretion should be perfect for our systemic needs. Unfortunately, things such as our current food supply, toxic exposure, lack of exercise, poor gut biome, and excessive stress levels impair our production of this hormone. Consequently, we turn to external or exogenous interventions to compensate for the lack of this hormone’s internal production.
The Benefits of GLP-1 Hormones
Lack of this hormone in our body leads to health issues such as:
- Metabolic Dysfunction: Weight (fat) gain, insulin-resistant diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
- Hormone Issues: PCOS, infertility, menopause, and menstrual difficulties
- Systemic & Brain Inflammation: Auto-immune flare-ups, brain fog, and addictive cravings
How GLP-1 Hormones Affect Weight
GLP-1 hormone peptides perform key roles that affect weight in four major roles:
- Triggers insulin to lower glucose.
- Blocks glucagon from raising glucose.
- Slows stomach emptying.
- Increases feeling of fullness through affecting the brain.
The Pharmaceutical Approach to GLP-1
Because GLP-1 hormones affect weight, pharmaceuticals that mimic GLP-1’s appear as a weight loss miracle. These pharmaceuticals target specific pathways depending on their category. They can mimic hormones by binding with GLP receptors to intensely trigger the effects of the hormone. They can target activation of the GLP-1 receptor. Others use GLP-1 analogs to mimic the effects of the natural hormone. In each of these cases, the intent is to target a specific pathway.
The Exogenous GLP-1 Dilemma
Because these pharmaceuticals, or externally introduced peptides, are coming from outside the hormone system, we lose our natural systemic checks and balances. Without the hormone feedback loop being engaged, it is extremely easy to overdose on these targeted GLP-1 approaches. The unfortunate side effects of these external, strong, and targeted approaches are the potential for reduced muscle mass and impaired digestive functions.
A Natural Approach
We recommend triggering natural GLP-1 release through a Bitter Hops Extract called Amarasate. Clinically available in delayed-release capsules, it stimulates bitter receptors in the gut to generate internal hormone responses. In addition to the natural release of GLP-1, Amarasate also triggers additional supportive hormones like CCK (cholecystokinin) and PYY (peptide tyrosine tyrosine).
Through stimulating natural internal hormone secretion, we turn on feedback mechanisms to help reverse underlying health issues that led to weight gain, such as metabolic dysfunction. The release of CCK and PYY provides additional supportive functions.
CCK is critical for functions related to weight loss as it stimulates the digestion of fats and proteins and enhances both the gallbladder and pancreas. PYY helps to reduce appetite naturally.
By helping to restore a multitude of our natural weight loss hormone production, we are priming the system to resolve other underlying factors that led to weight gain in the first place. When combined with proper nutrition and lifestyle support, this system supports a plethora of long-term health benefits.
For more information, contact Dr. Mary Tobin at Tobin Holistic Medicine at 714.256.2287 or visit www.tobinholisticmedicine.com.
